What size socket will fit on my 4WD axle on my 1979 Ford f150 4x4?

ErwinRommel · 05-10-2009, 10:53 AM

I am trying to remove the rotor but I don't know what size socket I need to remove the bearing to remove the rotor. Anyone know?

Thanks.

z07 · 05-10-2009, 11:35 AM

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

I think this kit covers all common sizes.

EDIT: I WAS WRONG!!! read the next post!!!

75K30 · 05-10-2009, 11:43 AM

Actually standard sockets do not fit. These are not standard hex head nuts.
The D44 front axle spindle nuts have a funny castle shape, and the socket looks like this.
Keep in mind that there is very little torque actually applied to these nuts so you can actually make one out of PVC.
These are cheap and available at your local auto parts stores.

ErwinRommel · 05-10-2009, 01:42 PM

well I need to know what size. I think they said they had a 28 mm, 30 mm, and a 32 mm. hmm..

I wonder if I can just use a screw driver and knock it around?

bradrhale · 05-10-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75K30

Actually standard sockets do not fit. These are not standard hex head nuts.
The D44 front axle spindle nuts have a funny castle shape, and the socket looks like this.
Keep in mind that there is very little torque actually applied to these nuts so you can actually make one out of PVC.
These are cheap and available at your local auto parts stores.

are you yanking our chain or are you being serious?? make it out of PVC?? what size as i too have a d44 front axle??

ErwinRommel · 05-10-2009, 07:50 PM

Well, my brother made or someone made one before out of metal but that one only fits my Ford Courier axle.
I went to O'Reily Auto Parts, they were out of 29 mm sockets.
Checked Auto Zone. Never heard of a 29 mm socket (only had a 29 mm socket- hex).
Checked Advance Auto Parts. Never heard of a 29 mm socket for the spline.
Found a tool though there and though it would work but it didn't. I think it was for something else.

I wonder if a 30 mm would work?

75K30 · 05-11-2009, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradrhale

are you yanking our chain or are you being serious?? make it out of PVC?? what size as i too have a d44 front axle??

No dude. Serious! Honest to goodness, this can be made from about any material. See the nuts do not have tension on them, as thay just pre-load the bearings. You can actually turn them by hand, but the limited space makes this difficult. One only has to apply enough torque to keep tension on the spindle bearing nuts. This is not so tight that one cant perform this with a PVC tool.
There are two nuts that retain the bearing, and between the nuts is a locking washer. This washer is indexed and has some tabs that bend over the outer nut and prevents the inner nut fromt moving. SImple really, but the nuts really are not tight. A home made socket can be used.
Back in the day before the aftermarket startet making cheap tools, this was the way to go.
This tool was very similar to the ones used to lock the hubs or unlock them when very tight limited slip differentials were used up front.
Leverage can go along way.

bradrhale · 05-11-2009, 06:43 AM

i know what you are talking about in referance to the double nut with the tabbed washer. same deal on these larger axles like what i play with. but both those nuts are tight like heck. we ended up going and buying the socket that fits those which is around a 4 in socket. bend the tabs back with a chisel and take off the first nut.
are both nuts almost hand tight like that or just the outside nut??

75K30 · 05-11-2009, 09:42 AM

Both nuts are pretty much hand tight. Too much tension on the ineer nut and the bearing is too tight and will burn up, too loose and well, it is too loose.
MAny guys have made them from PVC, but it is more convenient to just buy the correct one from the local auto supply.
Others have actually installed them with long needle nose pliers too.

eponator · 05-18-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75K30

Others have actually installed them with long needle nose pliers too.

I was actually going to suggest using a pair of long needle nose pliers and some elbow grease to remove it. I have witnessed my father (back in the day) use this technique to install as well as remove these nuts.

It doesn't take much effort to actually turn them (or at least it shouldn't), you just need one **** of a grip to keep the pliers from slipping.

As far as PVC, I've never seen this technique applied but can definitely see how it would work. No matter how outrageous it sounds, if it comes from 75k, I would listen haha!

05-10-2009, 10:53 AM	#1
ErwinRommel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Georgia Posts: 563	What size socket will fit on my 4WD axle on my 1979 Ford f150 4x4? I am trying to remove the rotor but I don't know what size socket I need to remove the bearing to remove the rotor. Anyone know? Thanks.

05-10-2009, 11:35 AM	#2
z07 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 391	- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices I think this kit covers all common sizes. EDIT: I WAS WRONG!!! read the next post!!! Last edited by z07; 05-10-2009 at 12:00 PM.

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05-10-2009, 11:43 AM	#3
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Actually standard sockets do not fit. These are not standard hex head nuts. The D44 front axle spindle nuts have a funny castle shape, and the socket looks like this. Keep in mind that there is very little torque actually applied to these nuts so you can actually make one out of PVC. These are cheap and available at your local auto parts stores.

05-10-2009, 01:42 PM	#4
ErwinRommel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Georgia Posts: 563	well I need to know what size. I think they said they had a 28 mm, 30 mm, and a 32 mm. hmm.. I wonder if I can just use a screw driver and knock it around?

05-10-2009, 07:50 PM	#6
ErwinRommel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Georgia Posts: 563	Well, my brother made or someone made one before out of metal but that one only fits my Ford Courier axle. I went to O'Reily Auto Parts, they were out of 29 mm sockets. Checked Auto Zone. Never heard of a 29 mm socket (only had a 29 mm socket- hex). Checked Advance Auto Parts. Never heard of a 29 mm socket for the spline. Found a tool though there and though it would work but it didn't. I think it was for something else. I wonder if a 30 mm would work?

05-11-2009, 06:43 AM	#8
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,831	i know what you are talking about in referance to the double nut with the tabbed washer. same deal on these larger axles like what i play with. but both those nuts are tight like heck. we ended up going and buying the socket that fits those which is around a 4 in socket. bend the tabs back with a chisel and take off the first nut. are both nuts almost hand tight like that or just the outside nut??

05-11-2009, 09:42 AM	#9
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Both nuts are pretty much hand tight. Too much tension on the ineer nut and the bearing is too tight and will burn up, too loose and well, it is too loose. MAny guys have made them from PVC, but it is more convenient to just buy the correct one from the local auto supply. Others have actually installed them with long needle nose pliers too.